As I have mentioned in the past, I have started using 3D printing for my personal Minimum Gauge models. I recently purchased a fully licenced copy of Solidworks 2016 for my design engineering contracting business and I am using this to generate new 3D models for printing on Shapeways as well.

My primary modelling scale is 1:32n20 (1:32 on 16.5mm track), but as it is relatively easy to scale parts up to 1:24 I will be providing most of the models in that scale as well. Many of these models have not been printed (in Beta); they are brand new and I haven't had a chance to put an order in yet!

Here are samples of two of the newest models:

A small rail mounted hand crane suitable for small estate railways or workshops:

Reversible bench seats modeled after those found on the Groudle Glen carriages:

Hi Simon. The crane comes in two pieces (base with pillar and crane boom/winch). The wheels are standard wheelsets gently snapped into place. Flush axle wheelsets would be best but you could cut, grind or file pointed axle wheelsets into flush wheelsets. The crane could be "disassembled" into more parts so that it could be made operational; are you interested in a version like this? I did design/draw the gears to be potentially operational.

Chris/David, the skips (Fowler/Hudson "Diamond Field" skips) could be re-done in 1:24. I have to re-draw the entire frame, though, to change the gauge. The end-on proportions would be slightly different as the frame would have to be narrower than the prototype. I have the new NGRS 1915 Hudson catalog reprint and there are photos showing this frame style with link & pin couplers which would be more useful in real-world modeling than the hook and chain version I currently have online. I will see about making this modification this week.

I have added several new models over the past few days; I will be posting images soon.

Chris, thanks for info. I was not specifically interested myself, but I am sure a fully working crane would be interesting to some modellers. I have far too many projects on the go at the moment. I have found that for working items WSF (ie nylon) is strong and smooth (it starts out rough, but quickly wears smooth and moving parts move easily). If the gears printed OK(???) then it would all interlock well.

Here are three new cars I have uploaded to Shapeways for Gn15. These cars are inspired by cars illustrated in John Fowler & Co. catalogues from the 1880's through 1890's.

First, a Closed Goods Wagon:

Second, a Platform Goods Wagon with end planks:

Finally, the basic Platform Wagon version of the car:

All of the cars are designed to use Hornby 14.1mm diameter wheelsets and to have lead or other weights glued in place under the car to bring the weight up for operation. The couplers are hook and loop with a captive loop (which can be cut away and standard loops used). The axleboxes are attached to the bottom with sprues and should be cut away and mounted into the alignment holes with glue as the wheelsets are added.

The doors and door latches on the Closed Goods Wagon are operational, as are the loops of the couplers, although you may need hot water to melt any residual support wax from the 3D printing process that may be sticking them in place.

These cars are 7 scale feet over the end beams and 3'4" in width.

Due to the detail included they are only printable in FUD. I can make multiple cars per print job available if desired.